Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, a globally renowned rapper and businessman, has been named in a civil lawsuit accusing him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, the lawsuit was initially brought against Combs in October and amended this past weekend to include Carter.
The anonymous accuser, identified as Jane Doe, alleges that the assault occurred at a private afterparty following the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. Doe’s legal team claims both Combs and Carter were directly involved in the incident, which allegedly took place in a drug- and alcohol-fueled environment.
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Allegations of assault detailed in the lawsuit
The plaintiff claims she was approached by a limousine driver outside the Radio City Music Hall, where the VMAs were held, and offered a ride to an exclusive party. Upon arriving at the venue, she was reportedly asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
At the party, Doe alleges she was given a drink that left her disoriented. Seeking to rest, she went into a bedroom, where she claims Combs and Carter entered shortly after. According to the lawsuit, Carter assaulted her first while Combs and another unidentified female celebrity looked on. The lawsuit further alleges that Combs later attacked her.
The accuser states she managed to escape and called her father from a nearby gas station. The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional and physical trauma.
Jay-Z denies allegations, calls for criminal investigation
Jay-Z has publicly refuted the allegations, calling them “outrageous” and a “blatant attempt at extortion.” In a statement, Carter urged the accuser to pursue criminal charges rather than a civil lawsuit. “If these allegations were true, true justice would come from a criminal investigation,” he said.
He expressed concern for his family, noting the emotional toll such accusations have on his children. “My wife and I now have to explain this to our kids, one of whom is old enough to hear about this from their friends,” he added.
Combs, who is already facing multiple civil and criminal accusations, has also denied all allegations. He is currently awaiting trial on unrelated federal charges, including racketeering and trafficking, scheduled for May 2025.
What’s next in this high-profile case?
Both Jay-Z and Diddy are under intense public scrutiny as the legal proceedings unfold. Legal experts suggest that the inclusion of Jay-Z in this lawsuit could lead to further developments in both civil and criminal courts.
For now, the accusations cast a shadow over two of the music industry’s most influential figures, adding to the growing list of controversies surrounding Combs in recent months.